Farmers affected by irrigation shortages due to defunct state tubewells are set to get relief, with the government approving the reconstruction of 1,750 failed tubewells across UP. The first instalment of funds has been released to kick-start the project, which has a total cost of Rs 5,612 crore.
Once completed, the project will restore irrigation facilities over nearly 1.75 lakh hectares of farmland. At present, the state has 36,094 tubewells. Those that have been in operation for over 17 years or have completed 57,000 hours of usage and show a significant decline in water discharge are classified as failed. As a result, 1,750 such tubewells have remained non-functional for a long time, leading to reduced irrigation in the affected areas.
The Cabinet had approved the reconstruction plan last year. Funded by NABARD, the project prioritises regions that do not have canal-based irrigation systems. Reconstruction work will be undertaken in 62 districts where canal irrigation facilities are either absent or limited, benefiting around 2.39 lakh farmers.
Following financial approval, the first instalment of Rs 54.85 crore has now been released, paving the way for work to begin shortly. The project is targeted for completion by the next financial year.
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